John,

As Overdose Awareness Day approaches this Thursday, we pause to remember and honor the lives lost to substance abuse disorders, including the devastating impact of opioids. At Dream.Org, our mission is to reduce the number of families that experience the pain of losing a loved one to overdose. This day is not just about remembrance; it's a call to urgent action.

A Troubling Trend: The Rise of Harmful Legislation:

We're already seeing alarming legislative trends across the country that aim to increase penalties for fentanyl possession, lower threshold amounts for higher sentencing, and introduce other failed “War on Drugs” policies that expand mass incarceration and solve nothing. We must be vigilant and act swiftly to prevent further harm.

Click to Read How Lawmakers are Increasing Penalties for Fentanyl Addiction

Our team at Dream.Org along with our Empathy Network leaders from across the country are working to identify and mobilize responses to stop legislative proposals focused on punitive measures and failed tough-on-crime policies in the next legislative season. 

The evidence is unequivocal: extended prison sentences and stringent penalties do not reduce drug use across the nation. Instead, such punitive measures fuel a massive surge in incarceration rates. This approach disproportionately impacts the most marginalized and under-resourced individuals in our society, eroding the fabric of our communities and exacerbating the crisis of preventable overdose fatalities. At Dream.Org, we are steadfastly committed to stopping the passage of these detrimental bills through strategic state-level campaigns. 

Click Here to Read Our Blog on the Fentanyl Crisis and Good and Bad Fentanyl Bills

In addition to our state legislative work, we have joined the Public Health is Public Safety coalition in Kentucky which has just concluded an extraordinarily successful awareness tour of Kentucky. 

Our Success in Kentucky: Public Health is Public Safety:

The Public Health is Public Safety coalition is committed to a compassionate, effective, and equitable approach to substance use. The Public Health is Public Safety tour of Kentucky went to five cities and held in-person events attended by community activists, harm reduction specialists, law enforcement, and directly impacted individuals. 

The campaign was a resounding success, and we're excited to incorporate its strategies into our national Fentanyl Awareness Campaign as we expand Public Health is Public Safety in the states.

The Power of Harm Reduction:

Harm reduction is more than a policy; it is a lifeline. By moving away from punitive measures and towards community-based solutions, we can help those struggling with addiction find the help they need without fear of prosecution.

Click Here to Join Our Empathy Network

A Lesson in History:

The War on Drugs is a war on people, particularly those from Black, Brown, and marginalized communities. At Dream.Org, we are deeply committed to rectifying the enduring injustices of the War on Drugs. We are reminded daily in our EQUAL Act advocacy of the horrors that come from tough-on-crime; incarceration centered policies. As we stand on the precipice of shaping our national response to the fentanyl crisis, we must heed these painful lessons to ensure we do not add another tragic chapter to an already harrowing history.

Fentanyl as a Public Health Issue:

Addiction is a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors and mental health challenges. By treating fentanyl addiction as a public health issue, we can provide compassionate, effective care and break the cycle of addiction.

Be a Change-Maker: Join the Empathy Network:

We invite you to become part of our Empathy Network, a community of directly impacted advocates and allies standing beside us working together to make change across the country.

Why You Matter:

Your involvement is crucial. As we prepare for the 2024 legislative sessions, we need a strong, informed community ready to act against harmful legislation. Your voice can be that tipping point.

Your Next Step:

Let's use Overdose Awareness Day as a springboard for meaningful action. Join the Empathy Network now to stay informed, engage in advocacy, and connect with others who share your commitment to change.

Together, we can create a world where compassion and understanding replace punishment and stigma.

In solidarity,
— Dream.Org